Romans 7:6, Heartfelt Service and Thanksgiving

Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Having been freed from the condemnation of the law, from the bondage of sin, obeying the law is not out of servile fear but filial love. Life is lived with gladness in service to God through the help of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 100 depicts well this life with God that enables the Christian to live in every area of life in worship to God.

Psalm 100:1-5 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Life is lived in thanksgiving to God. What is the manner of thanksgiving depicted by the psalmist for our learning? It is triumphantly (v1), sacrificially (v2a), personally (v2b), intelligently (v3), gratefully (v4a), penitently (v4b) and wholeheartedly (v4c). And why is the thankful? Because he has blessed by God’s unfailing goodness (v5a), enduring mercies (v5b) and abiding promises (v5c).

He tasted the good hand of God leading and guiding him through life’s pathway. Life is lived in thanksgiving and praise. This is the blessing of this new life in Christ. Amen.